Community Engagement Manager

Sparkfund•Minneapolis, MN

9d•Remote

About The Position

Sparkfund is hiring a Community Engagement Manager to build and strengthen its presence across Minnesota as it expands its Capacity Connect program. The role develops community engagement strategy and relationships with local officials, community organizations, and other stakeholders, helping communities understand and support distributed energy projects. It is remote and based in Minnesota, with a preference for candidates in the Minneapolis–St. Paul metropolitan area. The position includes regular travel throughout Minnesota and occasional overnight or out-of-state travel; relocation assistance is not available. The manager represents Sparkfund in community settings, helps align engagement with project development and deployment, identifies community concerns and project risks, supports local approval processes, and shapes clear, accessible communications. The position collaborates with Host Engagement, Commercialization, Marketing, and Projects teams, and maintains records of stakeholder communications and outreach. Success means building trusted community relationships and turning local feedback into meaningful action.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience in community relations, stakeholder engagement, public affairs, or a related field.
Experience developing and executing community engagement strategies, including building relationships with local officials and community organizations.
Strong communication and presentation skills, including comfort speaking at public meetings and engaging with diverse audiences.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, stakeholders, and project timelines.
Sound judgment when navigating sensitive conversations, community concerns, and external communications.
A bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience in energy, utilities, infrastructure, or another regulated industry.
Familiarity with Minnesota communities, local government, and permitting or regulatory processes.
Experience organizing public meetings or community engagement for infrastructure or land-use projects.
Experience using CRM platforms, engagement dashboards, or AI-enabled tools.
An entrepreneurial mindset and experience building new processes or programs.

Responsibilities

Develop and lead community engagement and market presence strategies across Minnesota.
Identify key stakeholders, assess community sentiment, and anticipate potential concerns or opposition.
Build relationships with local officials, community organizations, and other influential stakeholders.
Develop tools, dashboards, and repeatable processes to track engagement efforts and community readiness.
Represent Sparkfund in meetings with local governments, community groups, and other stakeholders.
Plan and facilitate informational sessions, community meetings, and outreach events.
Partner with internal teams to incorporate community perspectives throughout project development and deployment.
Help establish Sparkfund as a trusted, credible partner in the communities where it operates.
Coordinate community engagement with project timelines alongside Host Engagement, Commercialization, Marketing, and Projects teams.
Identify community concerns or project risks early and recommend solutions.
Support local approval processes and engagement with authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs).
Maintain accurate records of stakeholder communications, commitments, and outreach activities.
Determine what information communities need and when they need it.
Partner with Marketing to develop clear, accessible materials and talking points.
Communicate complex energy concepts in ways that resonate with different audiences.